Overview & Reviews

Chevrolet sells an impressively wide range of vehicles, from subcompact hatchbacks to huge vans and SUVs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced vehicle, odds are that Chevy will have something to fit your needs.

Chevrolet got its start in 1911. After William C. Durant had been ousted from General Motors, he joined forces with Swiss-born racecar driver Louis Chevrolet to found the Chevrolet Motor Car Company. The company's first offering was the Classic Six. Introduced in 1912, this five-passenger touring sedan could top 65 mph, fast for the time. Chevrolet's storied bowtie logo -- reportedly inspired by the wallpaper of a Paris hotel room that Durant stayed at -- made its first appearance in 1914.

By 1918, Chevrolet's profitability allowed Durant to purchase enough shares in GM to regain control. Chevrolet became another division of GM, and was its largest volume division by the mid-1920s. By 1927, Chevrolet outsold rival Ford, with sales in excess of 1 million units.

In the mid-1930s Chevrolet introduced independent front suspension, which provided a smoother ride over the rough roads of the day. The 1940s saw continued success with affordable coupes, sedans and pickup trucks catering to American families, farmers and businessmen.

By the mid-1950s, Chevrolet, GM's entry-level division, had added a V8 engine, power steering and brakes, power windows and air-conditioning to its list of available features, allowing luxury for those on a tighter budget. Around this time the iconic Bel Air model -- available in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon body styles -- proved very popular. The company introduced its alluring Corvette in 1953; the vehicle was the first mass-produced car with a fiberglass body.

The 1960s saw the unveiling of the popular, air-cooled Corvair compact, which held the distinction of being the first domestic production car with all-around independent suspension. That decade also witnessed the launch of the compact Nova, the midsize Chevelle and the sporty Camaro, the latter Chevrolet's answer to the wildly successful Ford Mustang. The Camaro proved an instant hit, comprising 10 percent of Chevrolet's total sales in 1967, its first year of production.

In the 1970s, Chevy responded to changing preferences by introducing small cars like the Vega and the Chevette, and by downsizing larger models such as the Caprice and Malibu. The company combated the market domination of foreign nameplates in the 1980s by rolling out the Cavalier. By the end of that decade, trucks and SUVs had started to become increasingly popular with the general consumer, and the brand's mid- and full-size models continue to this day to be some of the most popular on the road.

The '90s and the early 2000s saw the company raising the performance bar with its Corvette (notably the Z06 and, later, ZR1 variants) and reincarnated Impala SS. Chevrolet's Silverado pickup truck and Tahoe/Suburban SUVs continued to be hits as well. By 2010, the Camaro had returned to the lineup after a seven-year hiatus.

Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles.

User Reviews:

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  My Favorite Car - 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
  By ShortieMeggie - February 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car that i have ever bought for myself and i could not be happier with my decision. My mom cosigned with me and I can make the payments by myself. It is a wonderful brand new car with a warenty that i can afford as a 19 year old. i am completly satisfied with my purchase. For the money i spent on the car i am so happy with the look of the car and how it drives. This is a wonderful starter car for me and i am so happy that i bought it.

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  Colorado Z71 EXT. I5 - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By caf - February 18 - 10:00 am

  GM did a great job with this truck. I was a little skeptical about the 5 cylindar idea, but this truck just blew me away. It climbs hills without any hesitation, it handles very car-like and it looks tough! And Im talking about the extended cab Z71 4x4. On a bumpy road, its a bit rough, but for normal driving, it terrific.

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  Trailblazers rule!! - 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By laurenLTtb20034x4 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  the trailblazer was the first suv we have ever purchased, we used to have a car then we moved to the country and we needed a 4x4 and the trailblazer is so reliable, it works great in the snow. the feul economy needs a little work but also we have to keep in mind that suvs do eat a lot of gas. overall i would reccomend this vehicle to anyone,trailblazers are very popular we have 6 in our neighborhood. trailblazers shouldnt get the bad review for the cheap inside look because its not a luxury vehicle its a down to earth vehice.

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  truck - 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  By jeff g - February 18 - 10:00 am

  very nice truck, good handoling, user frendoly easy to drive and better than most stock trucks off road

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  My Car - 2005 Chevrolet Aveo
  By cindy - February 18 - 2:43 am

  My Aveo is 2 months old and so far I love it. It is great on gas and runs well in the snow. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a compact car with a lot of room.

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  GM Sales Consultant Owned - 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  By Mitch Biggs - February 17 - 10:13 am

  I recommend the Maxx LTZ to anyone who loves functional space and long trip comfort. I average 24 mpg city and 30 on the Highway and have exceeded 34 mpg on some trips. A Large Size Pet Porter fits in the cargo area for hauling my 100 lb. labrador. A great amount of features for the money. As a performace oriented person, the LTZ is sufficient but I would love to try the SS on my next lease, as long as they add heated seats and auto dimming mirror options!

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  Balanced CrewCab - 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  By Z71Dave - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Has a great balance between power, fuel economy, size, and style. I really like the looks inside and out. I have the victory red w/ painted fender flares. I am averaging 19MPG with 700 miles on the truck. Driving a mix between city and highway.

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  04 Impala Base - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By K Pike - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Pleasant to drive, great stereo, very comfy and roomy, I am glad I turned my s10 in early!

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  Super car - 2004 Chevrolet Impala
  By Katrina and Hank - February 17 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I decided to buy another Impala since the 200 we own has been trouble free. The 2004 is the best of both sport and luxury. It quick, vey comfortable and the best value out there. This is a cadilac in alot of ways. Now we are a 2 Impala family, and will go for a 3rd down the line.

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  My Cheverolet sonic - 2015 Chevrolet Sonic
  By L. Walker - February 16 - 8:38 pm